Eid Getaways: A Guide to Unforgettable Experiences

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
Special to The Times Kuwait

Eid al-Adha is one the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar and is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. For those seeking to elevate their Eid celebrations to a new level of exclusivity, luxury getaways offer an unparalleled experience.

At the top of the list is the Maldives, renowned for its overwater villas and high-end resorts, offering privacy and unparalleled luxury. Resorts like Soneva Jani, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, and Cheval Blanc Randheli provide an idyllic setting for relaxation and celebration. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and private beach dinners. Many resorts offer special Eid packages that include traditional feasts, cultural performances, and other personalized services.

Another hot spot for Eid is Dubai, which boasts some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, including the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, The Ritz-Carlton, and the Paramount Hotel Midtown. These hotels offer exceptional service, stunning views, and highly personalized services.

“As we witness ongoing advancements in AI technology, luxury hotels will seek to harness the benefits this can deliver, from increased personalization to more efficient service delivery. This will continue to enhance travelers’ experiences, giving more time for meaningful and memorable interactions between guests and staff…Immersive, engaging, and impactful experiences will continue to evolve and grow in luxury hotels worldwide. Guests seeking culturally authentic, sustainable, fun, and educational activities will find an increasingly wide array of choices,” explains the Director & General Manager of Dubai’s Paramount Hotel Midtown, Nicholas Chalmers.

Dubai also has numerous malls and souks, offering everything from high-end fashion to traditional crafts. During Eid, the city hosts various cultural events, including fireworks, concerts, and traditional performances. Visitors can also explore cultural landmarks like the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to really experience Emirati culture.

“Location is paramount when selecting a hotel for your Eid break. With only a few precious days of holiday, staying in a hotel in the heart of the city, with everything within easy reach, ensures you make every moment count and enhances your experience and enjoyment,” adds Chalmers.

For those intrigued by a blend of history and luxury, Istanbul is an ideal choice. Explore the rich history of Istanbul by visiting the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, all while enjoying a luxurious holiday. Stay in historical yet luxurious hotels like the Ciragan Palace Kempinski, which offers a royal experience on the Bosphorus Strait. Other highlights include traditional Turkish cuisine with a unique Eid twist. Many restaurants provide Eid feasts featuring dishes like baklava, kebabs, and Turkish delight; however, the special Eid prayers at the historic mosques are a major spiritual highlight.

Another great escape is Morocco, a land of history, mystery, and charm. Here, you can experience Moroccan hospitality in luxurious riads such as La Mamounia or Royal Mansour. These properties offer a blend of traditional design and modern luxury comforts. Eid in Marrakech is marked by vibrant celebrations, including traditional music, dance, and feasts.

Highlights of Marrakech include Jemaa el-Fnaa – a UNESCO World Heritage site. By day, it’s filled with market stalls, and by night, it transforms into a vibrant spectacle of food vendors, musicians, and performers. Getting lost in the old city maze of narrow alleyways, traditional riads, and bustling souks is also a tremendous key attraction, where you can also visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. Fashion lovers would also be delighted to visit Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent that offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

A luxury Eid getaway is not just a celebration, it’s an exceptional experience. Whether you’re drawn to the pristine beaches of the Maldives, the opulence of Dubai, the historical charm of Istanbul or the vibrant culture of Marrakech, these destinations offer a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural enrichment, and festive joy. They ensure that your Eid celebration is not just memorable, but also deeply meaningful.

By Hermoine Macura-Noble
The first Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US-based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war. For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on Instagram, here.